Gil Brandt - NFL.com Analyst and legendary V.P. and Director of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys for 30 years.
"I've been involved with the NFL for decades. In that time, I have known few people who can match Frank Coyle's ability to judge football talent. I value his opinions very much. And any fan who wants an accurate and in-depth analysis of college players headed to the NFL should read Frank Coyle's Draft Insiders' Digest. Frank offers great insights you won't find in any other NFL Draft publication."

Eric DeCosta - Pro Personnel Director - Baltimore Ravens
"Frank Coyle is one of the best evaluators in the business because he does his own work. He's not interested in other people's opinions. He's got a keen eye for talent an d a passion for scouting college talent. Without a doubt, his Draft Insiders Digest is essential for fans and NFL executives. I look forward to receiving my copy every April."

Phil Savage - Senior Bow Bowl Director & former Cleveland Browns GM
"I have found Frank Coyle's information to be very thorough and insightful. In my opinion, any NFL fan who is interested in the NFL Draft would enjoy Draft Insiders' Digest very much. I know how many hours and months the Ravens and Browns put in preparing for the NFL Draft and I think Frank Coyle and his staff do the same thing. It's obvious by their volume of quality information on the college prospects in Draft Insiders' Digest."

Dick Butkus - Hall of Fame Chicago Bear linebacker and founder of Butkus Football Network
"Frank Coyle does an excellent job year round rating the top college players as they prepare for the NFL. Draft Insiders' Digest is a must for anyone that follows the NFL Draft and pro prospects."

Upcoming Weekly Matchups - Louisville at Clemson, Michigan Hosts Wisconsin, Stanford faces Washington, Tennessee at Georgia in major conference matchups
This upcoming Saturday will provide key early answers to conference titles in all the top five conferences. There are a few matchups of unbeatens, Louisville/Clemson, Michigan/Wisconsin and Stanford/Washington that will reduce the number of undefeated clubs and create leadership in the ACC, Big Ten and Pac 12 conferences.

This past weekend saw the initial firings with HC Les Miles of LSU and Ron Turner of Florida International the first coaches to get the axe. The Tigers’ Les Miles was in his 12th season that includes a national title. The LSU program though, regressed in recent years with no double digit win season since the 2013 schedule. Along with Miles, OC Cam Cameron was terminated after their continuous offensive problems once again that limited the Tigers in big situations. The Tigers arguably have had the best talent in the nation over a ten-year period. With only 2 SEC titles to show for it, Miles was under constant pressure the past few seasons. When compared to Alabama’s four national titles recently, Miles was constantly scrutinized related to QB development and game management. OC Cameron failed to reverse the ongoing offense inconsistencies. The total reliance on talented tailback Leonard Fournette has failed to deliver in the most critical matchups, especially Alabama where they have lost four consecutive seasons. This despite their annual highly rated recruiting classes and deep and talented NFL Draft groups. The expectations have been huge in Baton Rouge and the competition has been very tough in the talented SEC West that creates weekly major challenges. Miles raised the bar and then failed to maintain the level of play in the best conference in D1. He may have his pick of any D1 team this offseason and could resurface in the SEC as early as next season.

Notre Dame fired DC Brian VanGorder after an ugly loss 38-35 to Duke. The Irish defense ranks #104 after last week’s loss that has been instrumental in their poor 1-3 record. Their secondary has struggled with little pass pressure from their young defense and front line. They lost a few key players during the offseason that left the depth weak and only inexperienced players in key roles. The Irish will be hard pressed to win 8 games this season, only a respectable number in South Bend. Young QB DeShone Kizer will have to mature quickly to right this ship that has been hot and cold this season. Next up Syracuse at MetLife.

Michigan bashed a faltering Penn St. 49-10 and remains undefeated (4-0). The Wolverines host undefeated Wisconsin (4-0) this week that will shape the Big Ten divisional races. They are benefitting from the two highly talented recruiting classes under Jim Harbaugh. Penn St. has floundered as a middle of the pack slightly above a .500 record, the past four seasons. They host their next three Big Ten matchups vs Minnesota, Maryland and Ohio St. which might define their direction in the conference and Eastern division. Penn St. gets little consideration in the Top 25 annually and has been only a borderline top 50 club in recent years. In their prior home game vs Temple, they shamelessly unveiled a Joe Paterno statue with mixed responses from the media and fans. Penn St.’s lack of accountability and denial in the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse case has been a total disgrace. Their recent ceremony of the new Paterno statue is another example of the arrogance and power that sports institutions use to avoid accountability that supports a dishonest system for self-serving purposes.

Alabama has been again a dominant force in the SEC this September and remains the solid #1 team in the national rankings. They face a tough October with road games at Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas A&M around a trip to Baton Rouge and the LSU Tigers. They have man handled opponents weekly and produced another strong performance with a 48-0 drilling of Kent St. HC Nick Saban has the 4-0 Tide ready to challenge and win another SEC West title. In his 10th season at Alabama, Saban has a 109-18 record that includes three national titles. Overall, he has a 195-60-1 record, including one national championship with LSU. That’s numbers that rival long time Bama and SEC legend, HC Bear Bryant who won six national titles. Four of those titles were split with AP and Coaches Polls selecting separate national champs for decades prior to the BCS Championship series.

Games of the Week - Louisville (4-0) at Clemson (4-0)

Frank Coyle is a long time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe etc for the past 20 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

UCLA junior linebacker Myles Jack has withdrawn from school and will enter the 2016 NFL draft announced by Bruins coach Jim Mora today. Jack tore his anterior meniscus in his right knee in September and subsequently underwent surgery, sidelining him for the rest of the season. His projected recovery time is 4-6 months that would allow him to workout at the UCLA pro day in March. He would be a borderline NFL Combine participant if the recovery time is accurate. He is eligible for the NFL Draft 2016 and three years removed from his HS class graduation.

Jack has started for the Bruins at linebacker since his freshman season in 2013, and also earned All-Pac-12 second-team honors last season. He has played on both sides of the ball, filling in as a feature back where he was very effective for periods. He has also been a kickoff returner showing rare versatility and athleticism. He fits both pro schemes with the ability to play all positions in the standard 4-3 set.

“My personal opinion is, I think he’s a tremendous football player and a tremendous athlete,” Mora said. “I think it’s very risky to do this. There’s going to be a lot of speculation of who he is and where he fits.”

“After long discussions with my family, teammates, coaches and friends, I have made the tough decision to leave UCLA and start preparation for the next step in my journey,” Jack wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. “While I wish I could be on the field playing with my brothers, I’m ready to fulfill a childhood dream.”

As a sophomore in 2014, Jack finished with 88 tackles, second most on the team behind Butkus Award winner Eric Kendricks, who became a 2nd round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL Draft 2015.
Mora said Jack’s decision to leave school in early October rather than wait until the end of the season and the fall quarter was influenced by the opportunity to rehab and train full-time without class obligations.
“He doesn’t see any point of staying in school,” Mora said. “He’s taking his chips and shoving them into the middle,” Mora said, “and we hope he draws a good hand.”

Mora is a former head coach for the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks, soft-pedaled the possibility, expressing concern about the limited junior film of Jack, who played in just three games this season. “I’ve been in 25 draft rooms, and I’ve never seen a guy taken off that,” Mora said. “Never.”

His final play of his college career will be a victory-preserving interception of BYU quarterback Tanner Mangum in the waning seconds of UCLA's 24-23 win over the Cougars on Sept. 19. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound linebacker had started for the Bruins since his second game as a freshman, a 41-21 victory at Nebraska on Sept. 14, 2013. He tallied five tackles on that day against the Cornhuskers.

He also burst onto the scene as a running back that season. Appearing for the first time in a late October in a win at Arizona, he rushed for 120 yards and one touchdown on six carries. He was named the Pac-12 freshman offensive and defensive player of the year, believed to be the first player to be named both. Over three seasons, he carried the ball 68 times for 387 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also started returning kicks this fall. Jack, a Bellevue, Wash., native, is expected to rehab and prep for the draft in the Seattle area.

“Myles’ talent is without question,” Mora said. “He’s extremely talented. An incredible athlete, plays with great energy and great passion and great emotion. Can do so many different things. I hope that he’s put enough out there that he can get a true evaluation, because if they can’t get a true evaluation of you, they’re not going to take you. They don’t take on speculation, not in the first round at least. Maybe in later rounds you go, ‘hey, we’ll take a flier on this guy.’ But there’s no such thing as an NFL GM who says, ‘hey, we’ll take a flier on a first-rounder.”

Frank Coyle projected Jack as a top 15 grade prior to his knee injury. With the injury and today’s announcement, Coyle held that Jack can still be a first round selection off his athleticism and production. “He will have to workout in March/early April to maintain a first round grade, but all indications are that his rehab will be on schedule and allow him to showcase his athleticism. He is capable of a sub 4.6 speed combined with high football IQ and good technique. He is not only scheme diverse, he shows good coverage skills and overall development currently plus the ability to blitz and be a very effective three down backer.”

Frank Coyle is a long time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe etc for the past 20 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
Fast rising small college passer put back to back strong performances together at the East-West and Senior Bowl practices. He gets the main stage Saturday in Mobile and could elevate his stock into the top 50 selections. Garoppolo (6'2", 220 lbs) has a very compact and quick release with fine accuracy and a nice touch that allows receivers to run after the catch. He has an above average arm though he shows the ability to drive the ball into small openings with timing and accuracy. After an impressive week of practice, he can really shine on the big stage vs top completion.

Charles Sims, RB, West Virginia
Underrated runner elevated his stock significantly with an impressive effect at the practices. He combines fine size and speed with well rounded talent to fill all the roles for the position. He is a fine route runner with soft hands and the natural running ability to be dangerous after the catch. He is moves well laterally and shows a burst of speed coming out of his cuts to run away from defenders. He has a thick lower body to break tackles and show some cutback ability/vision to find running lanes. A strong game effort and he can move into the top 10 selections.

Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming
Fast vertical threat has lite it up this week with his ability to separate and get open. His big play potential has drawn raves and improved his draft status. Though only 5’10” 187 lbs., his short area quickness and long speed allow him to create big plays and will most likely allow him to shine at the NFL Combine.

Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin
Agile sure handed receiver may be the most developed wideout in this class. He routes great routes, adjusts very well and has the receiving radius and soft hands to catch everything. He has deceptive speed and quickness and could be the playmaker with the development to be a key factor on game day.

Zach Martin, OT, Notre Dame
Tough technician had an outstanding week at practices vs the best edge rushers. He probably guaranteed a first round grade. He is highly developed and versatile that probably will earn him a starting rookie grade this summer.

Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio State
Sound technician displayed strong hands and balance that enables him to win consistently vs top linemen. He shows a strong base that translates well to the well and allows him to play with power. Good work effort and preparation will earn him early NFL starting spot, probably at right tackle.

Defensive Players
Dee Ford, DE/OLB, Auburn
Fast edge rusher was unblockable this week. He has the explosive speed off the ball that dominated the practice sessions throughout the week. This small defensive end consistently attacked the edge of offensive tackles in one-on-one pass-rush and team drills. He weighs only 243 lbs and teams see him as a better fit as an outside 'backer in a 3-4 front. In a four man front, he is a situational rusher with impact ability. He has the quickest first step off the line in this draft class.

Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Another smallish defender who had a strong week vs top competition. He has a quick burst off the ball, with strong and violent hands to gain a fast advantage. Though only 6'0" and 288 lbs, he wins with quickness and leverage with the ability to finish strong. He plays hard and competes on every rep.
Fine 3-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 front who has rose up draft boards after he showcased consistent talent vs premier blockers.

Jordan Tripp, LB, Montana
Rangy small college defender moves easily that allows him to pursue and drop in coverage.
He moves like a strong safety with the frame to carry another 10-15 lbs. He is a very fluid athlete and plays with fine speed for a 6'2", 237-pound defender. He needs to get stronger and take on blockers
and hold the point to play in a base defense.. Interesting rising defender.

Walt Aikens, CB, Liberty
Big agile corner had a strong week of practices. He has the length scouts seek in a pro corner and shows the agility to move easily in his pedal and closing speed. He plays the ball well with the reach to deflect many passes. He plays both press and man well with the ability to ride a receiver’s hips and locate the ball consistently.

Deone Bucannon, SS, Washington State
Physical strong safety displayed powerful tackling with the ability to close on the ball and drop runners.
He has excellent size (6'1", 216 lbs) with the ability to cover the back quarter. He can run the alley and drop runners in their tracks. His ability to match up with top tight ends in the deep game will determine how high a club will draft this emerging defender.

Frank Coyle is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe etc for the past 18 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

Former NFL defensive tackle Alex Karras passed away this Wednesday at the age of 77 from kidney failure after being diagnosed with dementia in recent years.

Karras was one of the NFL's best feared defensive tackles throughout the 1960s, coupling with Roger Brown to form a dominant inside tandem. Karras was a huge success after his 12 year NFL career as an actor, best known for his role in “Blazing Saddles” as Mongo and later as the lovable dad in the sitcom “Webster”.

Karras was a defender who hounded QBs, combining both quickness and power that earned him four Pro Bowl invitations over his 12 year career. He spent his entire NFL career with the Lions before retiring in 1970 at age 35.

He transcended football in a different way that rarely happens for players of any era. In addition to his movie and TV sitcom experience he made a successful transition to his acting career with a stint as a commentator on "Monday Night Football," working opposite the always verbose Howard Cosell and former Giant great Frank Gifford.

He died at home in Los Angeles surrounded by family members, said Craig Mitnick, Karras' attorney. "Perhaps no player in Lions history attained as much success and notoriety for what he did after his playing days as did Alex," Lions president Tom Lewand said.

His death also will be tied to the NFL's conflict with former players over concussions. This past April, Karras joined the more than 3,500 NFL veterans suing the league for not protecting them better from head injuries. He became one of the best-known names in the legal fight that has caused the NFL to take new steps on addressing head injuries. Recently, his wife said Karras' quality of life had deteriorated because of head injuries sustained during his NFL playing career.

Mitnick said the family had not yet decided whether to donate Karras' brain for study, as other families have done. His wife Clark said her husband couldn't drive after loving to get behind the wheel and couldn't remember recipes for some of the favorite Italian and Greek dishes he used to cook.

"This physical beating that he took as a football player has impacted his life, and therefore it has impacted his family life," Clark told The Associated Press earlier this year. "He is interested in making the game of football safer and hoping that other families of retired players will have a healthier and happier retirement."

Clark has said he was formally diagnosed with dementia several years ago and has had symptoms for more than a dozen years. He joined hundreds of other former players suing the league.

Born in Gary, Ind., Karras starred for four years at Iowa. Detroit drafted Karras with the 10th overall pick in 1958, and he was a four-time All-Pro defensive tackle over 12 seasons with the franchise. He was the heart of the Lions' defensive line, terrorizing QBs for years. He will always be remembered for his performance when the Lions handed the powerful 1962 Green Bay Packers their only defeat that season in a 26-14 upset on Thanksgiving during which they harassed QB Bart Starr constantly.

He missed the 1963 season when he was suspended by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle in a gambling probe. Karras was recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a defensive tackle on the All-Decade Team of the 1960s.

Karras later wrote an autobiography, "Even Big Guys Cry," and two other books, "Alex Karras" and "Tuesday Night Football." Lewand said Karras also loved to garden and cook.
Packers guard Jerry Kramer wrote in his diary of the 1967 season about his trepidation over having to play opposite Karras. Their one on one battles were legendary during the 1960s.

Frank Coyle is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe etc for the past 18 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, CBS, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

The Colts made the inevitable personnel move by releasing Peyton Manning this week prior to a bonus clause condition in his current contract began due. Manning has been the elite QB in the game for over a decade, setting countless NFL and Colt records. His resume includes a Super Bowl win and game MVP award, in addition to four MVP seasonal honors.

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Manning becomes the leading ‘Street’ free agent this year in a designation within Free Agency that has become the key additions to the open market just prior to the opening. Free Agency begins March 13th, though the ‘Street’ free agents are open to negotiate with every team now. Most ‘Street’ players are veterans with huge bonus clauses kicking in on their current contract that was back loaded. These veterans look for one more contract bonanza at the end of their careers.

Manning will command a huge contract with several clubs like the Dolphins, Redskins, Jets, Seahawks and Cardinals. His presence automatically makes his new team a Super Bowl contender if he checks out medically after four neck procedures. He will have to impress at workouts over the next few weeks and he has made definite progress in his condition over recent months. He does not have to throw a pass in anger until August/ September and is expected to be ready and give it his all for the NFL 2012 season.

The opinion here is that Manning will land in Miami and become the catalyst for a struggling Dolphin offense that has some key components – WR Marshall, RB Bush and LOT Long already in place. Several other FAs could follow Manning to Miami if he signs there like WR Reggie Wayne and center Jeff Saturday.

Manning heads the free agent QB class that should see a few command huge contracts. Other than Manning, Matt Flynn should be one of the biggest winners this offseason with a few multi million dollar contract offers. He has been Aaron Rodgers backup in recent years though he had two impressive games when asked to start. He should parlay those two games into the mega contract with teams not signing Manning in the forefront like Miami and Washington.

Franchise Quarterback: $14.4 million (down from $16.1 million in 2011, $16.4 million in 2010)

The final full week of the regular 2011 season is complete with conference championship games on the agenda this week. LSU continues to establish themselves as the #1 club with an impressive 41-17 win over Arkansas after trailing 14-0 in the second quarter. The Tigers are a powerhouse who meets a hot Georgia team this week in the SEC title game. The Bulldogs have won 10 consecutive games since opening the season with two losses. LSU gained their composure vs Arkansas and drilled them with another display of power and speed that has dominated their competition against probably the toughest schedule in the nation. LSU appears headed for a rematch with Alabama who lost their only game to the Tigers 9-6 in early November. Alabama dominated Auburn in their finale to complete an excellent 11-1 season, though only good for second place in the SEC West that is occupied by LSU and Arkansas. Those three clubs ranked 1-3 entering last weekend with LSU and Alabama holding the top two spots while Arkansas fell back in the top ten.

LSU relied on a power ground game and some big plays from QB Jordan Jefferson and corner Tyrann Mathieu to blitz the Hogs. Jefferson had his best game of the season and gets the starting nod from here on thru the BCS bowl games. Mathieu may be the best defensive player in the nation after another outstanding performance. ‘Honey Badger’ has a great nose for the ball and packs a wallop when he gets there to force turnovers. In the key win over Arkansas, he had a team-best eight solo tackles, forced two fumbles and recovered one as the top-ranked Tigers completed their regular season undefeated. Mathieu added a 92-yard punt return for a TD as LSU remained undefeated (12-0, 8-0 in SEC West) and earned a spot in next week’s SEC Championship Game.

Alabama running back Trent Richardson rushed for a career-high 203 yards (on 27 carries) as the second-ranked Crimson Tide defeated Auburn, 42-14, in the Iron Bowl. Richardson added a five-yard touchdown reception as Alabama improved to 11-1, 7-1 in the SEC West. Richardson is one of the top Heisman Trophy candidates entering the final weekend where he will sit out waiting for the Tides feat in the postseason.

Michigan finally beat Ohio St. 40-34 that snapped a 7 game losing streak to their archrival. Michigan QB Denard Robinson accounted for 5 TDs as the Wolverines finished 10-2. Robinson ran for 170 yards on 26 carries, in addition to going 14 of 17 for 167 yards in a terrific overall performance. The Michigan win was huge for first year coach Brady Hoke who will lead the Wolverines in a top tier bowl matchup. Ohio St. named Urban Meyers their new head coach on Monday. The former Florida head coach sat out this year due to minor medical issues. He lead the Gators to two national championships and returns to Ohio St. where he was an assistant coach prior to starting his head coaching career at Bowling Green.

UCLA ran into the Trojans in their cross town rivalry. QB Matt Barkley has been in a zone for weeks and torched the Bruins 50-0. Barkley went 35 of 42 for 423 yards and 6 TDs that ended the Trojans season at 10-2. The Trojans are under NCAA suspension for any postseason activity, though they would rank in the top ten easily if eligible. Barkley had an outstanding season and closed with as impressive a run as any player in the nation, though any Heisman talk was most likely too little too late. UCLA finished 6-6 and earned a berth in the Pac 12’s first championship game vs Oregon. Figure that out.

Houston finished undefeated that ranks them in the top ten. QB Case Keenum broke school, conference and NCAA records weekly over the final months that might earn an invite to the Heisman Trophy presentation. Where Houston falls in the bowl season will be interesting with their perfect record intact entering the CUSA title game vs Southern Miss. They hope to possibly challenging for the BCS title if LSU loses over their final two games.

Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead had two punt returns for 54 yards, nine receptions for 112 yards and a TD, and 17 carries for 80 yards and a TD in a 30-13 win over Syracuse on Nov. 26. He finished with 246 all-purpose yards in the game. Pead's performance helped keep the Bearcats alive for a Big East Championship and a BCS bowl berth.

Georgia's Brandon Boykin had an impressive showing against Georgia Tech over the weekend. Boykin will face off with LSU this weekend in the Southeastern Conference Championship game in Atlanta, Georgia. Boykin caught one pass for 28 yards, returned two punts for 4 yards and returned one kick for 60 yards in a 31-17 win over Georgia Tech. On defense Boykin recorded two total tackles, including assisting on a tackle for loss.

The BCS matchup for #1 appears headed for a rematch of LSU and Alabama after last weekend. LSU prevailed 9-6 earlier this season on the road that earned them a huge lead for the #1 ranking entering the final months. They win the SEC West division in the conference that has dominated the national title for five consecutive seasons.

Frank Coyle writes ‘College Football Monday’ weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He is also a member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards

Frank Coyle is a nationally known football scout who publishes Draft Insiders' Digest. In its 26th season, DraftInsiders.com is a website and publication dedicated to the coverage of NFL and NCAA Football.